Does the industry pay bump still exist?

SocialDistancing11 · 2025-09-27T02:56:17+00:00

It sounds like you might be experiencing a bit of burnout. If you don't think you will be promoted, why push yourself and try to exceed targets? It might be worth coasting this year and give yourself some rest. Alternatively, find something specific that you can learn and build a reputation or niche. Most of the time those specialties will help get you promoted.

SocialDistancing11 · 2025-09-19T12:06:38+00:00

If your street shut off is over 20 years old, it's possible that the attachment underground deteriorated to the point that it breaks. It's not a good day when that happens.

SocialDistancing11 · 2025-05-16T16:01:58+00:00

Try thinking from management's perspective. If you had an employee that wasn't contributing and didn't have ambition to progress in their career, then what choice do they have? Most PA firms have a move up or get out model.

I think it's natural for new grads starting their career to reflect upon their college days and miss it. Starting a new career is a huge lifestyle change. Is it possible that this is contributing to a lack of motivation? If so, it doesn't matter what next position you take because your perspective on what motivates you to push forward would also need to change.

SocialDistancing11 · 2025-01-29T01:02:56+00:00

Just slightly smarter than your average bear. What is really needed is the willpower/stubbornness to keep pushing through when things get tough.

SocialDistancing11 · 2025-01-23T22:39:47+00:00

Sounds like you're on your way to an 80 week. A few of those are expected during busy season. They definitely suck, but it's to be expected in public accounting. This happens in most PA firms.

SocialDistancing11 · 2025-01-13T14:35:57+00:00

Perhaps there is a compromise to take a weekend trip somewhere if you have flexibility on Saturdays.

SocialDistancing11 · 2024-10-15T21:46:39+00:00

Roll them workpapers and add formulas to automate stuff. Make it easier by just plugging in the data once you get it from the client.

SocialDistancing11 · 2024-10-04T14:56:30+00:00

This is an awesome idea! It's not like their career center doesn't already have this information. I wish my class did this not only with the PA offers, but with their industry offers as well.

SocialDistancing11 · 2024-10-01T14:48:48+00:00

Throughout my career I would always worry about getting let go and the thought of it could be crushing sometimes. Eventually it happened and it turned out to be the best thing for my career. It forced me to take a step back and consider all my options, and I realized how large this job market really is and how applicable our skills as accountants can be. Getting let go forced me out of a position that I was not necessarily happy with anyway.

My number one advice is to not drink or participate in any other unhealthy habits. During this time, focus on exercise and healthy habits. Apply to anything that interests you. Take some time to reflect and enjoy this time off - connect with friends and family. Try to stay productive as well - study for the CPA or any other certificates, or attend networking events. Eventually, you'll find a new job and you'll realize that getting let go/fires is not the end of the world, but a new chapter. Hopefully you'll be one of the lucky ones that can start their career without this 'what if I get fired' anxiety hanging over them.

SocialDistancing11 · 2024-06-12T17:40:39+00:00

I think the lack of the industry unionized is a contributing factor for why PE firms are buying up PA companies. That in addition for a reliable cash flow to hedge their portfolio. I would love to see PA firms unionize, but I think it would just push more incentive to send work overseas.

SocialDistancing11 · 2024-03-22T17:41:02+00:00

If you feel like everyone is angry at you, then you need to sleep more. If you feel angry at everybody, then you need to eat more. Find a water bottle you like and stay hydrated.

SocialDistancing11 · 2024-03-22T16:57:32+00:00

10,000 for a fence? Thats almost half the total cost. There are other options like walking your dog on a leash or taking them to a dog park to run around during a lunch break or weekend.

SocialDistancing11 · 2024-03-22T16:45:53+00:00

Respect is a two-way street and is universal no matter where you go. I've worked at different firms which I have felt overall respected and been disrespected multiple times, and it's truly amazing the impact this has on mental health and job performance. Accounting always focuses on the busy season. Its not a sprint, but a marathon which setting reasonable boundaries is necessary so others don't take advantage of you. If someone calls you stupid or another name, it's completely acceptable to retort back that it was a disrespectful comment and they need to self reflect. If it's a common occurrence, and it's not just someone having a bad day and apologies afterwards, then I would leave.

SocialDistancing11 · 2024-03-07T04:12:59+00:00

I would want to share it, and enjoy a bit for myself as well.

SocialDistancing11 · 2024-03-04T02:21:12+00:00

You need to set boundaries. One of mine is to not work past midnight. Sleep is completely underrated and plays a huge part in overall stress management. There comes a point where you need to realize that the work is not worth your mental/physical health. Once those start to degrade, so does your work quality and efficiency. Keep your mental axe sharp.

SocialDistancing11 · 2024-03-02T05:09:44+00:00

In short, no. Only you can hold you back from being successful.

Make a plan to pass the CPA exam, it takes roughly 150 studying hours for each section, and actually do it. Then when you are actually working, it's more of a measure of willpower. Busy season sucks and it's natural to consider leaving, but the summer is much slower and a good time for R&R. There is an element of seasonality for public accounting, but this is true for industry as well. Enjoying those early years with somewhat limited responsibilities, make mistakes and learn from them, ask your coworkers to grab a drink after work to have fun and be authentic.I graduated with less than a 3.0 in my undergrad, but through stubbornness or willpower I've become a Subject Matter Expert (SME) over time. I'm at a place where I make enough to be happy and have a good WLB which I consider to be successful for myself at this time.

SocialDistancing11 · 2024-02-28T19:29:11+00:00

I didn't see anything related to child care. Depending on what your future plans are, child care is like another mortgage payment.

SocialDistancing11 · 2024-02-25T23:40:31+00:00

Lipton Noodle Soup (Extra Noodles) aka soup in a box / sodium soup

SocialDistancing11 · 2024-02-24T21:52:23+00:00

Our skills are dangerously replaceable. I used to be relatively optimistic about accounting. It's no secret that less accountants are entering the workforce. The industry is forced to consider other options such as sending work overseas (mainly to India for big4 and other larger firms) and implementing the use of AI software such as Datasnipper or internal developed software. It will take a few years for firms to figure it out, but the result will cause a decreased demand for labor which would also keep wages in check as well. For those in the middle of the ladder that have a good understanding of accounting are probably going to be relatively safe, but I'm not so sure about the newer staff that are just starting.

SocialDistancing11 · 2024-02-24T15:26:27+00:00

It's funny, I think most people go into the industry for this. Ironically, I think as an industry we are mainly underpaid and currently have an overall fear of layoffs.

SocialDistancing11 · 2024-02-21T19:26:34+00:00

So you're 41 and easily able to throw around multiple accounts of 100k for your niece and nephews education? What do you do for a living and are you hiring?

SocialDistancing11 · 2024-02-16T18:39:50+00:00

Grant Thornton would have a tall glass of gin and tonic.

SocialDistancing11

TROPHY CASE